If one has to pick one innings from IPL 2025 that single-handedly changed the course of an entire match, it has to be that by DC’s Ashutosh Sharma, who scored 66 from 31 deliveries, in a chase of 210 vs LSG. That strike-rate of 212 isn’t something that looked very possible from the 26-year-old that day, since he had managed only 20 from 20 initially.
Ashutosh Sharma Blows Away LSG Alone
But then the tables turned, and he ended up with five fours and as many sixes, to stun Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow. Opening up on that innings, and his thought process during the chase, Ashutosh Sharma emphasised on the importance of playing by the match situation. It is just not about going for the kill from the first batt itself.
It Is Planned Hitting for DC Batter
“It all depends on the situation. In the last match, I wasn’t able to hit the ball from the first delivery. It got smoother after 20 balls. But it’s all about the situation. If I get just two overs, I have to go for big shots from the first ball. But if I have at least 8-10 overs, the approach is different,” The Ratlam lad spoke on JioHotstar’s Press Room.
Bond With Shikhar Dhawan
“It also depends on how many wickets we have in hand. I am very clear in my thoughts. I always focus on my work. The process is important for me. If you follow the process well, the results will come. That’s what I believe in. I don’t overthink or worry about what I need to do next. I am happy wherever I am, and whatever happens, I will be happy.”
And for this clarity in his thought, he credits his mentor and friend Shikhar Dhawan, with whom he worked during his PBKS days. “He’s been a mentor to me since my first TATA IPL camp during my Punjab Kings days. That’s when my journey started.
“After that, I worked on myself mentally with him, not just on my skills, because he always says that ‘everyone’s skills are different. But your mindset—how you deal with situations, how you manifest yourself—is what truly matters.’ That has helped me a lot.”
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